Palmer wants England to raise the bar
In-form England lock Tom Palmer has urged the side to make sure they use last weekend’s dramatic 35-18 victory over Australia as a springboard to further success and not let it be a glorious one-off.
Palmer was outstanding against the Wallabies, with his turnover close to England’s line of Australia scrum-half Will Genia providing England with the possession that led to a stunning length of the field move and an 80 metre run in from wing Chris Ashton for one of the great Twickenham tries.
England played a brand of positive, running rugby, built on physicality, pace and precise handling against the Wallabies that at times even their most fervent fans wondered if they had the desire or ability to produce under manager Martin Johnson, whose regime has often given the impression of favouring perspiration over inspiration.
“Now is a really exciting time to be involved with England,” said Palmer, who plays his club rugby for Paris-based Stade Francais.
“This team has an enormous amount of potential,” the former Wasps second row added. “We have seen the work we have been doing over the last six months really starting to bear fruit.
“If we keep playing the way we are playing now I think we can be a really good side,” explained Palmer ahead of Saturday’s match against Samoa.
“The aim of the team is to always keep improving. That is where you have to be as a great side, you can’t take anything for granted.
“The challenge is to keep playing how we played last weekend. It is an exciting time to be in this squad because I think we have got the ability to keep on doing that.”
Palmer made his England debut when playing for Leeds in 2001 but has won just 18 caps in nine years, with former Test captain Steve Borthwick the main obstacle in his way to a regular second row spot.
But injuries and then a selection call saw Palmer promoted ahead of the likes of Borthwick and Simon Shaw in the England hierarchy and against Australia he produced what was his standout display for the Red Rose.
“That was probably my best performance for England but that is what you need at this level,” said Palmer.
“After putting in a good performance last week against Australia and a pretty decent performance the week before against New Zealand, I’m feeling fairly secure I suppose.
“You can’t ever rest on your laurels because there’s no such thing as a perfect game. I’m pleased with how my Test career is going. I’ve finally got a run of games under my belt.”
Palmer said moving to France had helped revive his international career.
“The fact the captain [Borthwick] was in my position was something that made it harder for me to get into the side.
“I was a bit philosophical about it. I had the whole new challenge of moving to France, a big new chapter in my life.
“I got my chance when two guys got injured in quick succession and when you get those opportunities you have to take them.
“It has been a good move for me out there,” said Palmer.
“I am enjoying myself out there, playing a slightly different style of rugby. It’s an opportunity to learn and pick up little things off other players out there.”
AFP
